Earl Ross Class: Junior Hometown: Shoreham, Vt. High School: Middlebury Union Height / Weight: 6-2 / 197 Position: D Experience: JR

Junior Earl Ross heads into the 2009 season looking to build upon a very strong 2008 that saw him emerge as one of Penn State's most reliable defenders. Fast and athletic, Ross will be counted on to add both experience and a physical presence to the defense.

LION CAREER:

2008:Ross played in every game for Penn State last year and tallied an assist, his first collegiate point. He also collected 21 ground balls, upping his career total to 28.

2007: Ross played in 11 games in 2007, earning a letter as a true freshman. He had seven ground balls and took one shot.

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL:
Ross was featured in the United States Lacrosse National High School Senior Showcase last year, playing for the North Team. He was a 2005 and 2006 all-state selection and a two-time Vermont Rising Star. He also played for Vermont in the 2006 Vermont/New Hampshire All-Star game. Ross lettered four years at Middlebury Union High School. He is the son of Marti Backus and Keith and Linda Ross. Ross has one sister, Ashley, who is a member of Penn State women's lacrosse team. Earl is a chemical engineering major at Penn State.

COACHES VIEW:
"Earl has worked at both close and LSM, and our expectations for this spring are to use him exclusively at LSM. He can be a very, very disruptive force in the open field with his tenacious nature, stick checks, and ground ball ability. We may need him for some match up problems at close defense, but we like him on face off wings and against opponents' middies." - Coach Thiel